THE PRESIDENT

President Bush (center) and New York Governor George Pataki (left) greet firefighters at the Wall Street landing zone on Wednesday, October 3. This is the President’s second visit to New York City since the terrorist’s bombing and he is expected to meet with National Business Leaders, visit an elementary school, and meet with Fire Engine Company 55.

This photo released by the White House shows President Bush meeting former governor of Pennsylvania Tom Ridge in the Oval Office. Ridge was sworn in as Director of Homeland Security.

President Works on Economic Recovery

THE PRESIDENT: It’s an honor to be back in New York City. I want to thank the Mayor and the Governor for welcoming us back. I’m pleased that Secretary Don Evans, and Larry Lindsey from the White House staff, are traveling with me, and I want to thank the business leaders from not only New York, but others who have come from around the country to discuss the state of the nation.
And we’ve had a very frank discussion about the state of our economy. I think there’s no question we all agree that the events of September 11th shocked our economy, just like it shocked the conscience of our nation. But like those terrorists, they can’t affect our soul, they can’t affect the greatness of America. We all believe that the underpinnings are there for economic recovery.
And we all must do our part. And the federal government has a role to play. Today Secretary Paul O’Neill testified at Congress, saying that the administration believes that we ought to have $60 billion to $75 billion more of stimulus to encourage consumer confidence, to enhance business investment, as well as to take care of displaced workers.
I have shared that with the business leaders here. They understand that there is a role for the federal government, a strong and active role. And I assured them it’s a role that we intend to play.
I know there are people hurting in America; there are people who have lost their jobs. But as I assured these leaders, that our government will do everything we can to get our economy growing, to make it as strong as possible. I am saddened by the sight of the World Trade Center, again, once again. But through my tears I do see a much better future for the country.
This is a great nation. It’s an entrepreneurial nation; it’s a nation that has got such generous and kind people—the leadership, the business leadership here has contributed $150 million to the funds, the variety of funds here in the New York City area, to help people, the victims. It speaks volumes about what America is about.
And I want to thank everybody for coming.